Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a correction about the cause of death of Devin Jones, and an updated email statement from SMU. The Daily Campus was not able to confirm the cause of death.
On the evening of Monday, Nov. 10, SMU students gathered outside of Mac’s Place to honor the life of Devin Jones, an employee at Mac’s Place.
Devin, a loved and familiar face on campus, passed away on the weekend of Friday, Nov. 7.
Around 40 to 50 people attended the vigil, including Devin Jones’ coworkers.
Attendees stood in a circle, surrounding a tree with candles and a letter to the Jones family that everyone was encouraged to sign.
Taylor Good, an SMU student who was close with Devin Jones and his mother, Elvira Jones, hosted the vigil to commemorate his life and the way he touched so many within the SMU community.
“The one thing that really stood out to me was his smile. He was just so calm. And that was one thing that kept me wanting to come back to Mac’s place,” Good said. “That’s what made him so awesome as an employee. It was just his presence. His presence made a statement.”
Good bowed her head and prayed. Her words carried a sense of hope and remembrance.
“Heavenly Father, I pray for peace over our city in the name of Jesus,” Good prayed.
Attendees were invited to share their favorite memory of Devin. Xavier Mathis, an SMU student who had a close relationship with Devin, remembers him fondly.
“Friday, the last time I saw him, his last words to me was, ‘See you Sunday,’” Mathis said. “He was really important to me because he was an uplifter at Mac’s Place. He would always make sure to ask, ‘Hey, did you get Xavier’s order right?’ And he would always do that for me, checking up on me. And his smile, I’ve never seen this man not have a smile on his face.”
Devin knew all of his often-going customers by name and never had to ask twice, checking up on them as well. He made a constant effort to connect with students.
“You never know how much a person has impacted you until they’re gone,” SMU student Aijah Bailey-Ray said. “ I really feel like Devin embodies everything about having heart on a campus like this and being resilient.”
Elvira Jones used to work at Arnold Dining Hall on campus.
“Miss Elvira is heartbroken. She lost her husband earlier this year, and then she lost her beloved son at the same time,” Good said. “Every day she would talk about how much she loved her son.”
Devin’s brother, the Rev. Marcus Jones, sent a statement to Good that she shared during the vigil.
“SMU was more than an institution to our family. It was a place where Devin grew, where he learned, and made lasting connections. We thank the SMU community for the love and support you have shown during this difficult time,” Marcus wrote. “Devin’s light will continue to shine through the lives he touched.”
As students stood holding hands, Good invited Camden Reed, a staff minister with SMU InterVarsity, to lead the crowd in the worship song, “Hallelujah.”
Students shed tears and hugged their loved ones as they honored Devin, his everlasting impact on SMU and everyone who knew his “bright smile.”
SMU released an in memoriam statement to the community Thursday morning, but included a misspelling of Devin’s first name.
“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that Mr. Deven Jones passed away on Nov. 9, 2025,” the statement read. “Mr. Jones joined SMU in September of 2024 as a food service worker at Mac’s Place. Students remember him fondly for his kindness and welcoming personality. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
A follow-up statement from the Office of the Dean of Students on Friday morning included support resources for the SMU community.
“Strength and support are found in community, and SMU stands ready to support you should you need it. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be helpful, and please keep Mr. Jones’ family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
To assist the family during this time, Marcus organized a Meal Train for financial donations to the Jones family.
“During this difficult season, we are asking our community to surround Devin’s mother and children with practical support and love,” Marcus Jones wrote. “The family is facing not only the emotional weight of grief but also the financial responsibilities that come with funeral arrangements and the ongoing needs of caring for Devin’s children.”
